Georgia
Meeting of the Ambassador of Georgia held a at the General Administration of Customs of China
January 28
On January 28, 2026, Georgia’s Ambassador to China, Paata Kalandadze, held a working meeting with Yu Xiantao, Deputy Director-General of the International Department of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).
The talks focused on the current dynamics of Georgia-China trade relations, with particular attention to the practical implementation of the updated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in November 2025. Ambassador Kalandadze emphasized that the revised FTA provides a strong basis for expanding Georgian exports to the Chinese market and reducing trade barriers.
The sides also discussed the digital transformation of customs procedures, measures to increase cargo turnover efficiency, and mechanisms to further simplify certification and customs clearance for Georgian export goods.
The meeting aimed to strengthen economic ties within the framework of the two countries’ strategic partnership and to improve customs administration. The parties agreed to maintain close cooperation going forward.
Source: Embassy of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan and China Foreign Ministers Hold Talks in Beijing
January 28
On January 28, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and China held expanded-format talks in Beijing to discuss strengthening bilateral relations.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reviewed the current state and future prospects of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Baku and Beijing. The talks underscored the importance of ongoing political dialogue and frequent contacts between the two nations’ diplomatic services.
During the discussions, the ministers focused on deepening economic and trade cooperation, expanding investment opportunities, enhancing transport links, and boosting collaboration in energy, innovation, and digital development. They also exchanged views on key regional and international issues, highlighting the role of cooperation within multilateral frameworks.
In a social media post following the meeting, Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan and China are committed to further deepening their strategic partnership, while both sides expressed confidence that the visit and talks would strengthen bilateral relations and expand practical cooperation across a wide range of areas.
Source: Report.az
Jeyhun Bayramov visits Museum of Chinese Communist Party
January 28
On January 28, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China during his official visit to the People’s Republic of China.
According to the ministry, the museum offers valuable information on the historical periods and governance experiences that have shaped China’s modern development. During the visit, Bayramov signed the museum’s guest book and emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation under the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China.
In a post on the social network X, Bayramov described the visit as a “great honor,” noting that the museum vividly reflects the rich history, vision and achievements of the Chinese people and offers insights into China’s path of development and national rejuvenation. “Thank you for the excellent tour!” he wrote.
The Museum of the Communist Party of China, located in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, showcases the history of the Chinese Communist Party and its leadership’s role in shaping the country’s political and social trajectory.
Source: Report.az
Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and a Chinese company discuss creating joint ventures
January 28
Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and the Chinese company CITIC Construction Co., Ltd. are discussing opportunities to implement energy infrastructure and petrochemical projects, including the creation of joint ventures.
According to Report, the issues were discussed during a meeting between SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and CITIC Construction Chairman Yang Jianqiang.
The parties reviewed the experience of cooperation between SOCAR and Chinese companies and also discussed SOCAR’s ongoing projects and the company’s strategic goals both in Azerbaijan and abroad.
At the end of the meeting, the parties signed an agreement aimed at exploring potential areas of cooperation.
Source: Report.az
Baku Metro discusses differentiated tariff policy with Chinese company
January 30
On January 30, 2026, a meeting was held in Hong Kong between Baku Metro and the Chinese company Octopus Holdings Limited, focusing on the possible introduction of a differentiated tariff policy in public transport.
The Baku delegation was led by Vusal Aslanov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baku Metropolitan. During the meeting, he and representatives of Octopus, including Chief Executive Officer Tim Ying and Head of Transportation Business Nora Tang, discussed opportunities to modernize fare structures and introduce advanced payment technologies.
The parties reviewed international practices in tariff policy, including tiered pricing models, as well as digital payment systems aimed at simplifying travel for passengers and strengthening integration within the city’s transport network.
Octopus, whose contactless payment system is widely used in cities such as Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and Singapore, shared its experience with Baku in the field of “smart payment” platforms, including mobile payments and open-system integration.
At this stage, no final decision has been made regarding the implementation of a differentiated fare system in Baku. However, the discussions indicate Baku Metro’s interest in exploring innovative and more equitable pricing mechanisms for passengers.
Source: Report.az
Armenia
Second Khachaturian International Youth Competition Launches in Beijing
January 26
On January 26, a press conference dedicated to the Second Khachaturian International Youth Competition was held at the China National Opera House in Beijing, where it was announced that the competition will take place in Beijing in November 2026.
The event was attended by Martin Tovmasyan, Chairman of the Khachaturian Cultural Foundation; Liu Yunzhi, President and Artistic Director of the China National Opera House; Misak Balayan, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to China; and representatives of the Jingshe International Cultural and Educational Group.
Since 2023, the Khachaturian International Competition in China has been organized by the Khachaturian Cultural Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia and partner organizations.
The 2026 competition will be held in an expanded format, featuring preliminary rounds in various regions worldwide, online voting, and an Audience Award. The final stage will take place in November in Beijing, with the participation of the China National Opera House Orchestra and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sergey Smbatyan.
Source: Embassy of Armenia to China
Armenian Armed Forces Day Commemorated in Beijing
January 30
On January 30, the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in China hosted an official reception in Beijing to mark the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces, the embassy announced.
The event brought together military attachés and representatives from several countries accredited in Beijing, along with Armenian citizens living and studying in China.
As the Guest of Honor, PLA General Liu Zhongbin, head of the International Institute of Defense Studies at the National Defense University, attended the reception from the Chinese side.
At the opening, Armenia’s military attaché to China, Georgi Nalbandyan, highlighted the importance of the day and underscored the role of the Armenian Armed Forces in establishing and strengthening Armenian statehood.
In his welcoming remarks, Armenian Ambassador to China Vahe Gevorgyan stressed Armenia’s efforts toward regional peace and security, including the normalization of relations with neighboring countries and the diversification of ties with major international partners. He also highlighted the development of Armenia-China relations into a strategic partnership and the importance of deepening cooperation across all areas.
Source: Embassy of Armenia to China
Tajikistan
Tajikistan Considers Expanding Flights to China
January 26
Tajikistan is considering the purchase of aircraft produced by China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and the expansion of direct flights to additional Chinese cities, according to discussions held on January 26.
The talks took place between the Director of Tajikistan’s Civil Aviation Agency and representatives of COMAC, as well as Chengdu Airlines. The meeting focused on prospects for aviation cooperation, including fleet renewal and the launch of new air routes between Tajikistan and China.
Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and support the development of civil aviation in both countries. Currently, Chengdu Airlines operates a Khujand-Kashgar-Khujand route once a week. The airline plans to expand services to other cities in China as part of broader cooperation with Tajik authorities.
The discussions reflect Tajikistan’s interest in diversifying its aviation partnerships and improving regional connectivity.
Source: Khovar.tj
